I am trying to connect two PCs (both running XP Pro, the Dell has SP1 and the new one SP2), one new (which I built) and one semi-old Dell. I've done a lot of networks and know the difference between using ACLs and simple file sharing (which is what I am using on both computers) but this one is baffling me. I put a NIC (Kingston KNE100TX) in the Dell (which instantly recognized it) and connected the PCs with a cross-over cable I made (after checking/confirming pinouts with a tester). The new PC sees the old Dell and the Dell sees the new one. The Dell sees the shared folder on the new one and can access it okay. The new one does NOT see ANY shared folders on the Dell. I can browse thru Microsoft Network to the Dell but when I try to access the folders set to be shared, I get "access denied." Both computers are in the same workgroup and I have assigned IP addresses of 192.160.5 (Dell) and 192.168.0.1 (new one). The Dell has two user accounts, on of which is the same name/password as on the new box while the new comp has only one account. But, the new comp cannot access anything at all on the dell while both of the Dell accounts can see the new box. I currently have simple file sharingon for both but I think I will go back and try turning it off. The new box only needs to see one file (and not change it) on the Dell. {Later} I tried turning simple file sharing off, configured both boxes, and still no luck. I can ping from both sides but no matter what I do on the Dell box, I keep getting "access denied" when I try to access it from the other computer. Even after creating a new account and password, then trying to login from the new comp, I get the same "access denied - no permission..." message. This one is killing me!! (And the client is not happy.) ANY ideas what I am overlooking???

FijiJohn, I can suggest a few things. A.Try installing NetBIOS over TCP/IP on both PCs' Local Area Network Properties 1. Click Start>Settings > (Control Panel) >Network Connections 2. RIGHT-Click Local Area Network Connections>properties> 3. DOUBLE-click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) 4. Click Advanced button 5.Click Wins tab 6.Scroll down to the bottom area of that dialog box and locate the NetBIOS settings and click to dot the radio button (.)Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP 7.Click OK>OK to close . Best to Reboot both PCs before testing connectivity. B. Remember, the PC with WinXP SP2 has Windows Firewall is set ON by default. See if that is your problem C. After the first two troubleshoots (A&B), test connectivity. D.If stll no joy, test again after installing NetBEUI Protocol in the Local Area Network Properties dialog box. NetBUI NOT installed when you install WinXP.[QUOTE]Q301041 "Microsoft has discontinued support for the NetBEUI network protocol in Windows XP"[/UNQUOTE] 1. Insert your Windows XP CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive and then locatee the Valueadd\MSFT\Net\NetBEUI folder. 2. Copy the Nbf.sys file to the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32\Drivers folder. [ EXAMPLE: C:\Windows\ System32\Drivers] 3. Copy the Netnbf.inf file to the %SYSTEMROOT%\Inf [ EXAMPLE: C:\Windows\ Inf ] Inf is a hidden folder. To Unhide Inf folder : follow steps a b c below: a.RIGHT-Click Start>Explore b.. Click Tools>Folder Options>View tab c. Under Advanced Settings, click to select Show hidden files and folders under the Hidden files and folders Folder. 4. Click Start >Settings >(Control Panel) >Network Connections. 5. Right-click Local Area Network>Properties 6.Click Install button 7. In the Select Network Component type window, click on Protocol 6. Click ,B>Add. 8. Click to select NetBEUI Protocol from the list and then click OK. 9. Restart your computer if you are prompted to do this. The NetBEUI protocol is now installed and working and you can verify by steps 4& 5 above. Hope this helps.:-) Postback. M How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

I will try NetBIOS and then NetBUI tomorrow (Monday here in Fiji). The shared folders on the box with SP2 (and firewall on) can be accessed by the Dell (SP1) so I don't think it is a firewall issue. I've set up quite few of these simple networks and this is the first to stump me on what should be sinmple. :-( THANK YOU for the suggestions!!!

A very long shot, but I did once come across a batch of NIC that misbehaved with certain ranges of IP addresses. This was on a Novell network, and they would see one server but not another. Fairly easy to try if everything else fails anyway.

NetBIOS and NetBEUI did not help. I tried my laptop and the Dell defintely is the problem. I can ping both ways but "Access is denied" no matter what I do to try to get to the shared folders on the Dell. I am thinking of doing an OS 'repair' to see if that fixes it. If that does not work, I will pull the NIC and replace it. If that does not work I will look for something to jump off of. ;-)

It is not the hardware. I tried another drive with a fesh install and it works perfectly. There has to be SOME setting I am overlooking. I have gone through all the services, turned off the firewall, and checked everything I can find. I am denied access everytime I try to access the Dell. Any and all suggestions welcomed!!!!

My stupid! Finally realized this box HAD been on the Internet before being moved to its current location. No AV or antispyware and no serurity patches. Found 38 pieces of spyware and 24+ viruses. Told the owner that I won't touch it again unless we begin with a format and clean install.